On 25 June, the Prince and Grand Master, H.M.E.H. Fra’ Andrew Bertie, received the President of the Republic of Bolivia, Hugo Banzer Suarez, and consort, on a visit to the Magistral Palace. Also present were the Grand Chancellor of the Order, Amb. Carlo Marullo di Condojanni, and the Foreign Minister of Bolivia, Javier Murillo de la Rocha.

During the talks between the two delegations, in which the respective ambassadors participated, the excellent relations and close bonds of friendship between the Sovereign Order and Bolivia were stressed, with particular reference the hospitaller and welfare activity the Order has been carrying out for many years to help the needy in this country.

On the occasion, the Grand Master conferred on the President the collar of the Ordine al Merito Melitense, reserved for Heads of State.